ALEXANDRIA, VA With a stroke of the pen, former Florida Attorney General and Governor Charlie has put into place Cover Florida, an innovative, preventative health care program for the uninsured. The Republican State Leadership Committee (RSLC), the nation's largest caucus of Republican state leaders, noted that the agreements signed by Governor Crist for Cover Florida is the type of pioneering ideas coming from the states while Congress remains unable to provide alternatives. Cover Florida was achieved without any taxpayers funds expended.

ALEXANDRIA, VA – Florida and South Dakota Republican legislative leaders are joining the number of states looking to address budget shortfalls across the country due to the weakening economy. The Republican State Leadership Committee (RSLC), the nation’s largest caucus of Republican state leaders, pointed out today the sensible guidance of Republican leaders in Florida and South Dakota who are working overtime to address today's serious economic issues. Florida Senate President Jeff Atwater called for a special session and conducted an all Senate budget briefing. South Dakota Republican leaders are considering shortening the 2010 session by 5 days to run 35 instead of 40 days saving South Dakota taxpayers significant expense.

ALEXANDRIA, VA As state government leaders across the country are working to balance budgets due to the recent economic downturn, the Republican State Leadership Committee (RSLC), the nation's largest caucus of Republican state leaders, today applauded elected officials who will forgo their 2009 pay increases that were set to take place in many states. Among others who have already done so, just this week Pennsylvania Attorney General Tom Corbett and Georgia lawmakers stated they would freeze their salaries and not take 2009 cost-of-living increases.

ALEXANDRIA, VA – With the indictment of Governor Rod Blagojevich of Illinois today, the Republican State Leadership Committee (RSLC), urged Illinois state legislative leaders to call for his immediate resignation.